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Published on: August 22, 2012
Enterobiasis among Yemeni children: a cross-sectional study
Abdulelah H Al-Adhroey1, Yahya A Al-Ansi1, Mohammed A Al-Kholani1
1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Thamar University, PO Box 87246, Dhamar, Yemen.
Insights
Enterobiasis, a pinworm infection, affects nearly 30% of children in Yemen's Dhamar governorate. Poor hygiene, nail-biting, and lack of parental knowledge are key risk factors, necessitating health education and mass treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Enterobiasis (pinworm infection) is a global public health concern, particularly prevalent in developing regions.
- Yemen faces significant challenges in managing infectious diseases due to socioeconomic factors.
- Children are especially vulnerable to enterobiasis due to their behaviors and hygiene practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of enterobiasis among children in Yemen's Dhamar governorate.
- To identify significant risk factors associated with enterobiasis in this population.
- To inform public health strategies for controlling pinworm infections in Yemeni children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 402 children aged 1-12 years at Thamar University Al-Wahdah Teaching Hospital.
- Enterobius vermicularis infection was diagnosed using the adhesive tape technique.
- Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated to assess the association between risk factors and enterobiasis.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of enterobiasis was 29.4% (118/402 children).
- Significant risk factors included child care responsibility (PR=1.90), irregular handwashing (PR=2.01), nail-biting (PR=1.61), putting objects in the mouth (PR=1.58), and frequent anal itching (PR=1.46).
- Parental lack of knowledge on preventive measures (PR=1.62) and recent anthelmintic use (PR=1.68) were also associated with higher infection rates.
Conclusions:
- Enterobiasis is highly prevalent among children in Dhamar, Yemen, with a notable peak in the 1-6 year age group.
- Poor hygiene practices, specific behavioral habits, and limited parental awareness are critical drivers of infection.
- Public health interventions, including targeted health education and mass deworming programs, are urgently recommended for this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Enterobiasis is a highly infectious parasitic disease spreading worldwide including Yemen. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of enterobiasis among Yemeni children in Dhamar governorate. A total of 402 children (aged 1-12 years) participated in this cross-sectional survey carried out at Thamar University Al-Wahdah Teaching Hospital (TUWTH), between 2018 and 2019. Enterobius vermicularis infection was examined using the adhesive tape technique. Association between risk factors and enterobiasis were measured by prevalence ratio (PR). The overall prevalence of enterobiasis was found to be 29.4% (118/402). Risk factors that showed independent association with the infection were child's care responsibility (PR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.37-2.63; P = 0.001); irregular washing hands before meals (PR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.32-3.05; P = 0.003); habit of nail biting or cutting by teeth (PR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.18-2.21; P = 0.002); habit of putting toys or pen in mouth (PR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.19-2.10; P = 0.002); frequent anal itching (PR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.10-1.93; P = 0.016); using anthelmintic during the last six months (PR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.20-2.36; P = 0.011); and parents have no knowledge on preventive measures (PR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.04-2.53; P = 0.036). Prevalence of enterobiasis among Yemeni children in Dhamar governorate is high with higher infection rate among those aged 1-6 years. Health education and mass treatment are highly recommended among this poor population.
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